C&W to meet BCC over Mesh Broadband collapse

Nildram takes on the channel

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Cable & Wireless (C&W) is to hold a meeting with Bedfordshire County Council (BCC) next Thursday following the collapse of wireless broadband outfit Mesh Broadband.

Mesh was subcontracted by C&W to bring wireless broadband to ADSL blackspots in Bedfordshire. The project - backed by a £375,000 grant from the East of England Development Agency (EEDA) - began last year. So far some 250 people have been hooked up to the service with a further 150 waiting for connection.

Last week, however, Southend-on-Sea-based Mesh Broadband ceased trading, forcing C&W to look for alternative providers to complete the roll-out of the service and to continue supporting existing users.

In a statement C&W told us: "We were disappointed to hear of the closure of Mesh Broadband who were making broadband available to rural communities in Bedfordshire. At this stage we are discussing options with Bedfordshire County Council."

Elsewhere, broadband ISP Nildram - which is owned by Pipex - is looking to recruit more channel partners as part of an effort to increase reveneue.

Said Nildrams channel partner manager, Emma Knight: "Our aim is to substantially increase the volume going through our Channel Partner Programme in 2005. Any company choosing our channel programme can be assured of a reliable, flexible and responsive service, coupled with comprehensive support and development." ®